Lignans health benefits

The presence of the oxidized metabolites is unique and may provide additional reasons for the health benefits of lignans. Classical antioxidant mechanisms show that the addition of an ortho hydroxyl group to a monophenol enhances the antioxidant activity of the original monophenol. Thus, some of the mammalian lignan metabolites may actually have greater or different activity than the parent lignan. Kitts et al (1999) reported that enterolactone and enterodiol had greater antioxidant activity than the parent... 

Many species in the Europhorbiaceae and Labiatae families produce seeds with a high content of oil and contribution of hnolenic acid of up to 76% (1). Flaxseed has been used for years in the production of paints, varnishes, inks, and linoleum. In food applications, flaxseed is more often used than oil because of its better stability and because of the presence of fiber, lignans, and a-linolenic acid (ALA), which have health benefits. Cold pressed flaxseed oil is not considered suitable for deep-frying, although Chinese use it in stir-frying (2). In this chapter, oilseeds of flax, perilla, camelina, and chia are discussed as sources of oils with elevated content of ALA. These oilseeds are produced in industrial quantities and can be considered as potential sources of new oils with specific nutritional and functional properties. 

Toure A, Xueming X. Flaxseed lignans source, biosynthesis, metabolism, antioxidant activity, bio-active components, and health benefits. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf. 2010 9 261-269. 

Toure, A. and Xueming, X. Flaxseed Lignans Source, Biosynthesis, Metabolism, Antioxidant Activity, Bio-Active Components, and Health Benefits. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety 9, (3), 261-269. 

Unkila, M., Optimizing the health benefits of plant lignans, HMRlignan Webinar, October 24,... 

Sesame seed oil and its constituents, particularly the tocopherols and lignans, exhibit a number of health benefits including ... 

It is clear that lignans have a rich diversity of biological activities, which we have only begun to understand. As further studies reveal the mechanisms of their effects, benefits to human health should follow. 

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